Hot take, but I think Miami might be better than LA.
I recently spent a few days exploring the city, and I left loving it far more than I expected. I only scratched the surface, but I already know I’ll be back.
Miami has this incredible mix of beaches, design, food, art, nature, and energy that makes it feel like you can have five completely different vacations in one trip.
One minute you’re riding a bike along South Beach, the next you’re walking through a luxury design district, kayaking through mangroves, or cruising past celebrity homes in Biscayne Bay.
If you’re planning a trip, here are some of my favourite places to stay, things to do, and experiences worth adding to your itinerary.
I’M NOT IN LOVE, I’M IN MIAMI
I loved this expression. It really summed it all up.
Being present in this city meant embracing fun, culture, food, art, and the ability to simply let loose.
Where to Stay in Miami
I stayed at two very different hotels during my trip, and I’d recommend both depending on the experience you’re looking for.
The Palms Hotel & Spa
If you want that classic Miami beach vacation, The Palms is a great option.
You have direct access to the beach, a beautiful pool, great food, an awesome breakfast, and incredible views of the ocean.
One of my favourite things about staying here was how easy everything felt. You can rent bikes right around the corner and spend the morning or evening riding along the promenade and exploring South Beach.
You’re right in the heart of the action without necessarily feeling like you’re in the middle of the chaos.
For someone visiting Miami for the first time who wants beach access, convenience, and that quintessential South Florida feeling, this is a great place to base yourself.
Unframed, Autograph Collection
For the second part of my trip, I stayed at the new Unframed hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.
The easiest way I can describe it is: think Wes Anderson vibes.
Everything feels incredibly curated, stylish, and intentional. It’s the type of hotel where you keep noticing little design details everywhere you look.
There’s a beautiful rooftop pool with incredible views, along with a restaurant concept from Vilebrequin, the iconic swimwear brand.
It feels playful, elevated, and very Miami.
If you’re someone who loves design, architecture, photography, and hotels that feel like an experience in themselves, Unframed is definitely worth checking out.
Explore the Miami Design District
The Miami Design District is where you go when you want a little more luxury.
Think high-end fashion, incredible architecture, restaurants, cafés, public art, and some serious people-watching.
Even if you’re not planning on doing a lot of shopping, it’s worth spending some time walking around.
Miami does such a good job of combining architecture, fashion, and art that sometimes just wandering without much of a plan is the best way to experience it.
Grab a coffee, walk around, take some photos, and explore.
Get Lost in the Art of Wynwood
One of the things I loved most about Miami was the creativity.
Wynwood is probably one of the best examples of it. The Wynwood Walls art experience is a must, and they even let you spray-paint a wall. I definitely need some work, but it was such a fun activity.
The neighbourhood is filled with massive murals and graffiti created by incredibly talented artists. This isn’t random graffiti on the side of a building, but rather large-scale professional artwork that completely transforms the area.
There are galleries, installations, restaurants, and cafés everywhere.
It almost feels like you’ve stepped into a giant outdoor art exhibition.
Give yourself some time to wander here. Don’t rush it. Turn down random streets. Look up. Take photos.
Miami rewards curiosity.
Kayak Through Oleta River State Park
One of my favourite surprises of the trip was getting out into nature.
I went kayaking through Oleta River State Park, paddling through mangrove trees before heading out toward an island where we actually saw raccoons.
It’s wild how quickly Miami can change.
You can be surrounded by skyscrapers and traffic and then suddenly find yourself paddling through mangroves with almost nothing around you.
If you like adding a little adventure to your trips, this is such a great way to break up the beaches, restaurants, and nightlife.
It gives you a completely different perspective on Miami. Book with Oleta Adventures to explore.
Take a Biscayne Bay Boat Tour
Sometimes you just have to embrace being a tourist.
I took a boat ride through Biscayne Bay, where you get views of the Miami skyline and cruise past some seriously impressive celebrity homes.
Is it touristy?
Absolutely.
Should you do it anyway?
I think so.
I always like including at least one unapologetically touristy experience when I travel. There’s usually a reason these things became popular in the first place.
Plus, seeing Miami from the water gives you an entirely different appreciation for the city.
Bike South Beach at Night
One of the simplest things I did ended up being one of my favourites.
Rent a bike and ride along South Beach.
And if you can, do it again at night.
There’s something about seeing Miami after dark—the palm trees, warm air, people everywhere, and those iconic neon signs glowing along Ocean Drive.
It feels cinematic.
You don’t necessarily need an itinerary. Just ride, explore, and take it all in.
Getting Around Miami
Miami was surprisingly easy to navigate.
I used Uber a lot, and depending on where you’re staying, biking and walking are also great options.
The different neighbourhoods have very distinct personalities, so I’d recommend experiencing more than just South Beach.
Spend some time at the beach, but also explore Wynwood, the Design District, Biscayne Bay, and some of the natural areas around the city.
That variety is what made the trip so memorable for me.
One Warning: The Heat Is Real
I have to say—I actually loved the Miami heat and humidity.
But you need to prepare for it.
Bring tank tops. Bring lightweight clothing. Bring more shirts than you think you’ll need.
And accept the fact that, at some point, your clothes are probably going to feel wet.
That’s Miami.
Lean into it.
Where to Eat
1-800-Lucky
1-800-Lucky is a food hall featuring Asian-inspired cuisine and a mix of food, music, and art. There’s even a record store at the front.
Honestly, the bathroom alone was worth a visit for its design and graffiti.
It’s casual, fun, and feels perfectly at home in Wynwood.
Abbalé
Abbalé was one of my favourite lunches of the trip.
It’s Mediterranean-inspired, with fresh hummus and all the favourites you’d expect, served in a beautifully curated space.
The food was absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere made the whole experience even better.
Vilebrequin
Luxury swimwear brand Vilebrequin has brought its restaurant concept to Miami, and the setting couldn’t be more fitting.
Located on a rooftop in South Beach, it combines great food, beautiful design, incredible views, and, of course, a pool.
Dine in style, enjoy fresh creations from the chef, and take in the Miami skyline around you.
Why Miami Surprised Me
What I loved most about Miami was the combination of everything.
The culture.
The art.
The architecture.
The food.
The beaches.
The nature.
The energy.
Miami can be glamorous without taking itself too seriously. You can have breakfast overlooking the ocean, kayak through mangroves that afternoon, eat somewhere incredible that night, and finish the evening biking underneath neon lights.
That’s what surprised me.
It isn’t just a beach destination.
Miami feels creative, colourful, alive, and constantly moving.
And after this trip, I already know I want to go back.
If I Were Planning a First Trip to Miami
I’d give yourself at least a few days and build your trip around a mixture of experiences.
Stay somewhere near the beach for part of your trip. Spend a morning biking South Beach. Explore the Design District and Wynwood. Get out on the water in Biscayne Bay. Make time for Oleta River State Park. Have at least one rooftop pool afternoon. Eat somewhere you normally wouldn’t.
And leave some room in the itinerary to simply wander.
Miami is one of those cities where some of the best moments happen when you don’t have a plan.
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